Blackmore impresses in first drive

Racing driver Tom Blackmore. (S)

Published:09:00Sunday 13 May 2012

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Prospective AirAsia Renault UK Clio Cup racer Tom Blackmore made a major impression on leading team Total Control Racing at Mallory Park yesterday last week with a star performance on his racing car test debut.

The 21-year-old, from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, joined the multiple championship winning squad at the Leicestershire track for his first taste of a 2.0-litre Clio and made an instantaneous impact with a highly competitive run in dry conditions.

Although still working to secure the budget to graduate into car racing, the newcomer – who only has very limited karting experience to draw on – showcased his natural ability superbly.

So strong was the performance, TCR team principal Lee Brookes drew distinct comparisons with the Clio Cup test debuts of former category champions Jonathan Adam and Tom Onslow-Cole.

“Tom did a mega job,” said Brookes.

“He really was very impressive, even more so considering it was his first ever test.

His pace was fantastic and he was actually on a par with the likes of Jonny Adam and Tom Onslow-Cole when we first tested them.

“He’s got a lot of natural ability and we’re hopeful he’ll be able to raise the budget to make his race debut with us in Clios at some point soon.

“They’re not easy cars to instantly be quick in, especially for a driver with so little karting experience.

“On the evidence of yesterday’s run with us, Tom is a really strong prospect.”

Blackmore’s only real competitive karting experience came at club level, due to budget limitations, and for the last four years he hasn’t raced anything at all.

Instead, he focused on his university degree in business management but with his education now completed, the Yorkshireman is aiming to reignite his motorsport career.

“Mallory was the first time I’ve ever been in a car on a track, it was absolutely fantastic – brilliant really and the car was great to drive,” reflected Blackmore,

“Everyone at TCR seemed to be pretty happy with my performance so I was really pleased with that.

Next on the agenda for Tom and Total Control Racing will be rounds seven and eight of the 2012 AirAsia Renault UK Clio Cup on June 9-10 at Oulton Park in Cheshire.